Esta dissertação tem como objetivo investigar a qualidade do planejamento regional desenvolvida no Rio Grande do Sul após a descentralização desta atribuição em favor dos Conselhos Regionais de Desenvolvimento - Coredes. A partir da criação destes Conselhos, diversos Planos Estratégicos de Desenvolvimento Regional foram produzidos pelos Coredes, objetivando a criação de instrumento de organização e hierarquização das demandas regionais, e também como instrumento de promoção do desenvolvimento, através da busca de soluções locais para os problemas enfrentados. Para analisar a atividade de planejamento regional foram estudados, neste trabalho, os Planos Estratégicos de Desenvolvimento Regional, com ênfase nos estudos de caso dos Coredes Vale do Taquari, Noroeste Colonial e Sul. Para alcançar os objetivos traçados e comprovar as hipóteses de trabalho, a metodologia de análise utilizada baseou-se na construção, de acordo com a literatura, de um plano estratégico de desenvolvimento considerado ideal para que, a partir desta referência, os Planos elaborados pelos Coredes pudessem ser investigados. Foram analisadas as etapas de diagnóstico, prognóstico e propostas, foi analisada correlação entre as propostas dos Planos com as propostas do Plano Plurianual 2000-2003. A pesquisa revelou que os Coredes apresentaram baixa capacidade de planejamento, no que se refere à qualidade dos Planos analisados em relação ao Plano Estratégico de desenvolvimento considerado ideal. / This master thesis had as main objective to investigate the regional planning quality developed in Rio Grande do Sul after its decentralization and the creation of the Regional Development Councils - Coredes. From the creation of these Councils, many Regional Development Strategic Plans have been elaborated by the Coredes, having as their goals to install instruments of organization and hierarquization of the regional demands and also instruments of promotion of the development through the search of local solutions to the problems faced. To analyse the regional planning activity, the Regional Development Strategic Plans have been studied, with emphasis on the study cases of the following Coredes: Vale do Taquari, Noroeste Colonial and Sul. To reach the given goals and prove the work hypothesis, the analysis methodology was based on the construction, according to the literature, of the Regional Development Strategic Plan considered ideal so that the Plans elaborated by the Coredes could be investigated having this reference as a basis. The steps analysed where diagnosis, prognosis and propositions as well as the correlation between the proposition in the Plans and the propositions in the Multiannual Plan 2000-2003. The research has revealed that the Coredes has demonstrated low capacity in planning, as regards the quality of the plans elaborated by the Coredes related to the Regional Development Strategic Plan considered ideal.

The main aim of this thesis is to analyze the regional conditions of usage of financial resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the South Bohemian region. Apart from this, the analyze of intensity of usage of the European resources in comparision with other regions of the Czech Republic will be done.

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo investigar a qualidade do planejamento regional desenvolvida no Rio Grande do Sul após a descentralização desta atribuição em favor dos Conselhos Regionais de Desenvolvimento - Coredes. A partir da criação destes Conselhos, diversos Planos Estratégicos de Desenvolvimento Regional foram produzidos pelos Coredes, objetivando a criação de instrumento de organização e hierarquização das demandas regionais, e também como instrumento de promoção do desenvolvimento, através da busca de soluções locais para os problemas enfrentados. Para analisar a atividade de planejamento regional foram estudados, neste trabalho, os Planos Estratégicos de Desenvolvimento Regional, com ênfase nos estudos de caso dos Coredes Vale do Taquari, Noroeste Colonial e Sul. Para alcançar os objetivos traçados e comprovar as hipóteses de trabalho, a metodologia de análise utilizada baseou-se na construção, de acordo com a literatura, de um plano estratégico de desenvolvimento considerado ideal para que, a partir desta referência, os Planos elaborados pelos Coredes pudessem ser investigados. Foram analisadas as etapas de diagnóstico, prognóstico e propostas, foi analisada correlação entre as propostas dos Planos com as propostas do Plano Plurianual 2000-2003. A pesquisa revelou que os Coredes apresentaram baixa capacidade de planejamento, no que se refere à qualidade dos Planos analisados em relação ao Plano Estratégico de desenvolvimento considerado ideal. / This master thesis had as main objective to investigate the regional planning quality developed in Rio Grande do Sul after its decentralization and the creation of the Regional Development Councils - Coredes. From the creation of these Councils, many Regional Development Strategic Plans have been elaborated by the Coredes, having as their goals to install instruments of organization and hierarquization of the regional demands and also instruments of promotion of the development through the search of local solutions to the problems faced. To analyse the regional planning activity, the Regional Development Strategic Plans have been studied, with emphasis on the study cases of the following Coredes: Vale do Taquari, Noroeste Colonial and Sul. To reach the given goals and prove the work hypothesis, the analysis methodology was based on the construction, according to the literature, of the Regional Development Strategic Plan considered ideal so that the Plans elaborated by the Coredes could be investigated having this reference as a basis. The steps analysed where diagnosis, prognosis and propositions as well as the correlation between the proposition in the Plans and the propositions in the Multiannual Plan 2000-2003. The research has revealed that the Coredes has demonstrated low capacity in planning, as regards the quality of the plans elaborated by the Coredes related to the Regional Development Strategic Plan considered ideal.

The presented diploma thesis deals with economic activities of regions of the Czech Republic with a special focus on funding of regional development; the region of Hradec Králové was taken as a concrete example for this purpose. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part of the thesis focuses on the issue of operating and funding of the regions of the Czech Republic with respect to the structure and development of incomes and expenses of regional budgets between the years 2001 and 2012. The second part of the thesis focuses on economic activities of the concrete region in relation to the regional development. The region of Hradec Králové was chosen for the analysis. The Programme of the Regional Development is the fundamental strategic document via which the region implements support of the regional development. In the case of the region of Hradec Králové, the regional development is implemented via the following financial instruments- the regional budget, Subsidy Fund, and Regional Innovative Fund.

This thesis analyses the making of gender mainstreaming in regional development politics. Because of that gender mainstreaming can be filled with any meaning it has been of interest to study how gender mainstreaming in regional development policy is made. This is also especially interesting since gender mainstreaming is criticized in previous research of the tool. With Carol Bacchis methodological framework, “what’s the problem represented to be?” governing through problematization is analyzed. Specifically, the regional development politics problem representation of gender equality and gender mainstreaming and it effects are analyzed. The result of this analysis shows that gender equality and gender mainstreaming is made to be something that the regions simply can download to its own organization. The thing that stands between the region and a successful download is simply knowledge. What I find is that this discourse is limiting to gender mainstreaming as a tool and for the regions that utilizes it. The discursive and subjectifing effects of the found problem representation leads according to me to depoliticization of the policy area in the material. This in turn has its own issues and limits. In summary gender mainstreaming is not made to make structural change in regional development politics.

This dissertation offers a platform to understand the nature of cluster initiatives as a socio-economic phenomenon combining cluster, entrepreneurship and intermediary features. They are particular types of ventures facilitating networks and dialog platforms adjusted to local contexts and offering a way to enhance regional development. The success of clusters and regions is shaped by the degree they are based on and involve entrepreneurial activity, which is viewed here under the prism of cluster initiatives. This dissertation uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to study various organizational aspects of cluster initiatives and their intermediary role as well as providing recommendations for the management and support of these organizations. It is based on five papers written by the author of the dissertation solely and in collaboration with other scholars where the level of analysis is focused on cluster initiatives. Based on empirical material from the papers this dissertation brings together both the structural and organizational content of cluster initiatives by providing evidence in the areas of actors and relationships, mode of organization and intermediary specific, assessment and management as well as policy. This work has generated the following conclusions: firstly, cluster initiatives represent organizations bringing together a four-faceted constellation of interrelated actors (i.e. the initiative itself, key player, support and target group), through organization of intermediary activities. Secondly, these organizations are organized as temporary projects, but being able to attract many members and to satisfy their needs through diversified and innovative activities can help them to achieve longevity. The longevity of initiatives can also be supported by policy, which in order to become effective, should include a long-term perspective and bottom-up approach. And finally, the study proposes a model of five central qualitative success factors to be used for the assessment and management of the initiatives, which together depict a holistic picture of their functioning. This model contains elements such as idea, driving forces, activities, organization and critical mass. The two models of interrelated actors and of success factors form the main contribution of this work. Extending the stream of studies this dissertation raises awareness and calls for recognition of cluster initiatives as important actors working in-between the boundaries of other organizations and institutions. / PIE/HELIX

Geographical regions as diverse as Silicon Valley, California and Linköping, Sweden have been the sources of new technology and endogenously created innovations. Scholars and policymakers recognise that specific regions or clusters of businesses have the capability to engage in more innovative activities and new business formation and to experience higher employment growth than others. This dissertation uses qualitative methods to study various aspects of regional development and innovation. It is based on five papers by the author and colleagues with levels of analysis ranging from regional to firms’ first sales in order to capture the dynamics of both the top and bottom levels of regional development. It then uses these papers’ empirical material to address the research questions of (a) how a new scientific knowledge base becomes established and exploited in a spatial context, and (b) how people create and diffuse innovations in a social and spatial context. This dissertation’s main findings are that (a) regional leadership involving the building of alliances with triple-helix actors is crucial for initiating a knowledge-based regional development process, (b) a consensus space is a catalytic mechanism for ensuring the speed and effectiveness of regional development, (c) lowering the barriers for the actors involved boosts participation and the rate of innovation, and (d) users’ perspectives are essential for social, institutional and commercial innovation. This dissertation’s main implications are that knowledge-based regional development’s initial stages require leadership that (a) builds alliances and establish an arena for the triple-helix actors, (b) analyses the regional barriers to the commercialisation of knowledge, and (c) utilises both endogenous and exogenous resources. / Kännetecknande för regioner som Silicon Valley, och även Linköping, medstark närvaro av kunskapsproducerande aktörer, som ett universitet, är att det frekventoch kontinuerligt genereras nya teknologier som utgör grunden för innovationer ochaffärsmöjligheter. Under de senaste tjugo åren har det från policysynpunkt funnits ettstort intresse hur vida man kan stimulera kunskapsbaserad regional utveckling i formav exempelvis nya universitetssatsningar, riskkapitalinitiativ ochentreprenörskapsprogram. I den här avhandlingen studeras dynamiken i kunskapsbaserad regionalutveckling och innovation. Av särskilt intresse är framväxten av en ny kunskapsbas ien region och dess möjlighet att generera innovationer. Där av avhandlingens tvåfrågeställningar: (a) Hur etableras en ny kunskapsbas sett ur en regional kontext? (b)Hur skapas och sprids innovationer inom en social och spatial kontext? Avhandlingen har en kvalitativ ansats med fallstudier som metod. Fem bidragutgör basen för själva avhandlingen. I huvudsak genereras följande slutsatser vilka ärcentrala för att förstå själva problematiken i kunskapsbaserad regional utveckling: (a)Närvaro av regionalt ledarskap med en triple helix orientering är centralt förkunskapsbaserad regional utveckling. (b) En arena för samförstånd bidrar till snabbareoch mer effektiv utveckling. (c) Det finns barriärer i kommersialiseringsprocessen avden nya kunskapen, exempelvis svårigheter för aktörer med ett problem och aktörermed lösningar att finna varandra, som hindrar utvecklingen. (d) Användarperspektivetfinns i alla typer av innovationer; kommersiella, institutionella, och sociala. De främsta implikationer för praktiker baserat på den här avhandlingen är attför att etablera en kunskapsbaserad regional utvecklingsprocess krävs ett ledarskapsom (a) kan bygga allianser med andra triple helix aktörer och skapa en arena församstånd, (b) kan förstå vilka barriärer för kommersialisering som finns och (c) kananvända sig av både endogena och exogena resurser.

Many rural areas are undergoing structural changes as jobs in forestry, fishing, mining, agricultural and other natural resource-based industries decline. These communities, often based around these industries, are generally small and located some distance from urban areas. They are faced with decreasing population as residents and their families leave for jobs elsewhere. As a result, the communities and residents are looking for alternative ways to create employment and sustain themselves. Given the nature of these rural locations, many small businesses based there face challenges that are not generally experienced by enterprises in urban areas. Some communities are not accessible by paved road while others are not accessible by road at all, relying instead on water and air transportation. The business people in these areas often operate without standard business infrastructure, which can include telephone lines, broadband Internet, banking services and other items, and can have difficulty accessing supplies, customers, employees and other required materials. However, there has been relatively little research on the challenges facing rural businesses and the specific methods by which these owners mitigate these challenges. Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by these businesses becomes important in order to support and encourage economic growth and development in these rural communities. Building on this context, this research looks to answer the following questions: • Why do people start businesses in rural locations? • What type of businesses do they start? • What challenges do these rural businesses face? • How do owners respond to these challenges? Vancouver Island and the surrounding smaller islands in British Columbia, Canada serve as the research site. Given the exploratory nature of this research, an inductive approach has been selected with the use of case studies, interviews and grounded theory analysis. Purposeful sampling is used with the sample businesses meeting specific criteria, based on location, business size and definition of success. These businesses are interviewed at their locations to allow the researcher to experience the challenges associated with accessing the particular rural community. The interview topics are focused on the above research questions. There are several common characteristics among the sample owners and their businesses. The owners tend to be in-migrants who moved to the rural area for lifestyle reasons. They have started their business to provide an income, take advantage of a business opportunity, or both. Family members, particularly spouses, are actively involved in the business. In many cases, participants supplement their business income with other income sources to ensure business viability. Success is measured generally by personal and lifestyle goals, rather than financial criteria. The businesses face common challenges in terms of a limited local population base which impacts on market size and labour pool, rural location and access to urban centres, gaps in business and social services infrastructure and heavy time demands. The owners respond to these challenges in a variety of ways which includes the involvement of family, core business diversification, alternative income sources, long hours invested in the business and involvement with the community. To meet these challenges and devise their responses, the owners draw upon four key resources – their own skills and attitudes, their family, business and community. The resulting conceptual framework draws together these key resources and suggests that all four must be present to ensure success within a rural context. Each resource is comprised of several components which contribute to business success. The framework also integrates several resource-based theories, which consider the key resources either separately or in pairs, to create a holistic model. The conclusions focus on several key areas. This research contributes to the knowledge base on rural small businesses by creating a framework that draws directly from the experience of these owners and their objectives and motivations for their businesses. It reflects their internal focus and a concentration of the four resources that they access easily from within their domain. This research also suggests some possible roles for government which focus on its role in shaping the larger environment, particularly at the infrastructure level and human capital development. Finally, future research directions are recommended. This study considers a relatively unexplored topic and suggests ways for rural small businesses to address the challenges which they face. With this knowledge, individuals, businesses, communities and other interested organizations can work to achieve their economic development goals.

This paper researches the relationships between sub-center cities, satellite cities and core cities in Jingjinji Area, Huninghang Area and Pearl River Delta. It also covers the connections between Chinese housing market and stock market. It uses an unique dataset called China Real Estate Index System (CREIS) to measure the Chinese housing prices. Through correlations, Granger causality tests and regression models, this paper concludes there are indeed connections for the movements in housing prices in the surrounding cities relative to Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen in the three city groups, and there is no sufficient evidence to show the existence of the connection between Chinese housing market and stock market.

An den Universitäten Leipzig und Halle-Wittenberg ist ein Forschungsvorhaben mit dem Titel "Ziele und übertragbare Handlungsstrategien für ein kooperatives regionales Flächenmanagement unter Schrumpfungstendenzen in der Kernregion Mitteldeutschland" (KoReMi) angesiedelt. Vor dem Hintergrund demographischer Transformationsprozesse werden Leitbilder und Instrumente der Regionalentwicklung auf ihre Anwendbarkeit unter Nachhaltigkeitsgesichtspunkten untersucht und modifiziert. Das Projekt ist eingebunden in das Forschungsfeld "Forschung für die Reduzierung der Flächeninanspruchnahme und ein nachhaltiges Flächenmanagement (REFINA)" des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF). Mit der Schriftenreihe des Forschungsverbundes KoReMi soll fortlaufend sowohl über das Projekt und seine wesentlichen Arbeitsergebnisse als auch über weiterführende Erkenntnisse der Fachdisziplinen berichtet werden. Die Kommunikation zwischen Wissenschaft und Praxis sowie auch zwischen den einzelnen wissenschaftlichen Disziplinen, die sich aus ganz unterschiedlichen Blickwinkeln mit den Problemen nachhaltiger Entwicklung von Regionen unter dem Vorzeichen von demographischer Transformation beschäftigen, soll mit dieser Schriftenreihe forciert und intensiviert werden.